Wild Things

This thriller takes place in Blue Bay, Florida, where social-climbing guidance counselor Sam Lombardo (Matt Dillon) is indifferent to teen-socialite Kelly Van Ryan (Denise Richards), who retaliates by accusing him of rape, an accusation that leads to his suspension by the school and a rejection from the country club. He can't afford a big attorney, so he hires shrewd…
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Overview

This thriller takes place in Blue Bay, Florida, where social-climbing guidance counselor Sam Lombardo (Matt Dillon) is indifferent to teen-socialite Kelly Van Ryan (Denise Richards), who retaliates by accusing him of rape, an accusation that leads to his suspension by the school and a rejection from the country club. He can't afford a big attorney, so he hires shrewd Ken Bowden (Bill Murray), while Kelly's mom, Sandra Van Ryan (Theresa Russell), Sam's former lover, gets a platoon of top lawyers. Trailer-trash Suzie Toller (Neve Campbell) backs up Kelly's claim and additional plot twists and turns develop. The seldom-seen Carrie Snodgrass (Diary of a Mad Housewife) has a supporting role in this film.

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Editorial Reviews

All Movie Guide - Jason Clark

As trashy as they come, and just about as irresistible, John McNaughton's steamy Florida noir would be downright laughable if its professionalism and stamp of authorship was not in evidence in every gorgeous frame. Stunningly photographed by Jeffrey L. Kimball, Wild Things tweaks the sensibilities in such a way that it almost seems old-fashioned. It delights in throwing twists and turns at the viewer, and surprisingly, virtually all of them are convincing and satisfying. The cast is wonderfully game here, with Matt Dillon and Neve Campbell effectively cast against type, and the inclusion of Bill Murray only points to the film's delirious tongue-in-cheek nature. Wild Things can honestly be called one of the '90s true neo-noirs, as it employs all of its conventions (double-crossing, femme fatales, etc.), but with a refreshing sense of irony. Though the film didn't do bang-up business at the box office, it has developed a well-deserved cult of fans who have discovered its snaky pleasures, such as its overt sexiness and a willingness to bend the rules and give the viewer a really good time.